Quick answer
Fatty acid found naturally in skin; The most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms; Functions as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient; Determined safe as used in cosmetics
Palmitic Acid
Updated
Hexadecanoic acid
Purpose
This fatty acid is found naturally in skin and is the most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It has many functions in cosmetics, including as a cleansing agent and emollient.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Occlusive/Opacifying Agent, Cleansing Agent, Emulsifier
INCI Purpose
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Fatty acid found naturally in skin
The most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms
Functions as a detergent cleansing agent, emulsifier, and emollient
Determined safe as used in cosmetics
Article
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in skin, as well as in palm oil, palm kernel oil, butter, cheese, and meat. It is the most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is used as the basis for many palmitate ingredients, such as isopropyl palmitate. Palmitic acid has many functions in cosmetics, such as a detergent cleansing agent and an emollient.
In a cleanser, it has the potential to be drying depending on which other ingredients it’s combined with and the cleanser’s pH level. In moisturizers, palmitic acid is a very good emollient while its emulsifying abilities help keep unlike ingredients from separating.
Palmitic acid has been determined safe as used in cosmetics when used in concentrations up to 13%.
See: Stearic Acid
References